Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier has expressed confidence that his side is much better equipped for the upcoming Carabao Cup final showdown than when they last took to Wembley’s hallowed turf.
Eddie Howe’s team felt the sting of defeat in the 2023 final at the hands of Manchester United, with Casemiro and Marcus Rashford finding the net. Yet, redemption beckons as the Magpies dispatched Arsenal both home and away in the semi-finals, paving the way to a face-off with Premier League front-runners Liverpool.
Newcastle’s previous Wembley venture was hampered by the absence of their suspended shot-stopper Nick Pope, and fate hasn’t fully turned this time either. Anthony Gordon is sidelined, serving the penultimate match of his suspension for a red card incident against Brighton in the FA Cup.
Injuries have also claimed Lewis Hall and Sven Botman. Despite these setbacks, Trippier is resolute that lessons have been learned. A notable change is the team’s decision to avoid the proximity of the Hilton Hotel, which previously hosted their stay.
“Staying at the Hilton was too close, shall we say,” remarked Trippier post-victory on Monday at West Ham. “It’s about learning. The club learned a lot from the first time around.
A lot more things are well organised this time. I’m not saying it was bad last time but we’re more prepared because we’ve been in this position now.
“We played United in the last cup final and we’re more relaxed. Now we’ve just got to review this game [at the London Stadium] and look forward to another special occasion at the weekend against Liverpool.”
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Trippier’s colleague Bruno Guimaraes, who netted the decisive goal against West Ham, has propelled Howe’s squad to sixth place in the league. The Brazilian, a holdover from the 2023 final, is confident that despite missing key players, his team can triumph this weekend.
Liverpool will also be less than full-strength come Sunday. Arne Slot is already without Joe Gomez, and it’s doubtful Trent Alexander-Arnold will participate after sustaining an injury against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
“We have seen people – doubters. We are focusing on ourselves,” Guimaraes expressed to Sky Sports following Monday’s victory. “Missing Anthony Gordon, Lewis Hall and Sven Botman is not good for us, but to have players who can play well.
“I believe that we can win. A final everything could happen. I believe our fans can make a difference for us. For us, it is like the World Cup. We want to make history for this club. It is a long time for the fans without a trophy. [Alexander] Isak at the moment, is the best striker in the world. Our midfield has been our strength.”
